In the morning, drive approximately 10 minutes to Buddha Point, home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. This vantage point also offers a panoramic view of Thimphu city.

Next, visit the School of Arts and Crafts, established to preserve and promote Bhutan’s traditional arts. Students here are trained in 13 different forms of age-old crafts. Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum to explore traditional Bhutanese rural life and experience how people lived in earlier times. Adjacent to the museum, visit the National Library to learn about Bhutan’s literary heritage.

Afterward, stop by the mini zoo to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Following lunch, you can visit the Handicraft Emporium for souvenirs. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of Bhutan’s beloved third king. Overnight stay at your hotel in Thimphu.

Join the locals in celebrating the Thimphu Tshechu, a festival that is both religious and social. The term “Tsechu” refers to the 10th day of a lunar month and is associated with the birthday of the great tantric master, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), whose birth is celebrated on the tenth day of the fifth month. Most Tsechus are devoted to the teachings of Guru Rinpoche and feature traditional mask dances, including:

• Dance of the Lord of Death and His Consort (Shinje Yab Yum)
• Dance of the Black Hats with Drums (Shanag Nga Cham)
• Dance of the Three Kinds of Ging with Sticks (Jug-Ging)
• Dance of the Lord of the Cremation Grounds (Durdag)
• Dance of the Three Kinds of Ging with Sword (Dri-Ging)
• Dance of the Three Kinds of Ging with Drums (Nga-Ging)
• Dance of the Stag and the Hounds (Shawa Sachi)

Overnight stay at your hotel in Thimphu.

On the final day of the festival, only a few mask dances are performed until the afternoon. Interspersed between these are cultural songs and dances for the enjoyment of visitors.

After lunch, enjoy a short 30-minute drive to begin a hike to Tango Goenpa (Monastery), a round-trip of approximately 1.5 hours. Tango Monastery was originally founded in the 12th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa, with the present building constructed in the 15th century by the revered “Divine Madman,” Drukpa Kunley. In 1616, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel visited the monastery and meditated in a nearby cave.

Today, Tango Monastery is the residence of an important young Trulku (reincarnate lama), recognized as the 17th reincarnation of the highly respected fourth Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, whose previous incarnation passed away in 1830. The monastery also functions as a prestigious Buddhist university for monks of Bhutan’s state religion. Visitors may observe various bird species in the surrounding forest during the hike.

After completing your hike, return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, a journey of approximately 2½ hours, with a short stop at Dochula Pass. On a clear day, enjoy breathtaking views of Bhutan’s Himalayan ranges.

Upon arrival in Punakha, have lunch in the town before visiting the stunning Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. According to the prophecy of Guru Padmasambhava, the dzong is strategically located between two famous rivers, the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha also served as Bhutan’s capital until 1955.

After breakfast, drive to Paro, a journey of approximately 4 hours, and check in at your hotel upon arrival. Enjoy lunch in the town before beginning your sightseeing.

Visit the National Museum of Bhutan, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts and is considered one of the finest museums in Asia. Originally built in the 17th century as a watchtower for the dzong below, it now serves as a center for preserving Bhutanese heritage.

Next, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646, which currently serves as the administrative center for Paro District. In the evening, take a stroll around the town for last-minute souvenir shopping.